9223683 Clifton This award is for the renewal of funding for the Materials Research Group at Brown University on the topic of micro- and nano-mechanics of failure resistant materials. The research emphasizes the extension of solid mechanics analysis to smaller length scales. Advances in high-resolution electron microscopy with the development of Computational Fourier Transform method for interpreting atomic-resolution micrographs of regions near atomic lattice defects have been combined with advances in lattice-statics modelling and modelling of the interactions of discrete dislocations to achieve measurements and computations down to nanometer scale. The topics emphasized include optimization of reinforcement size, shape, and distribution in composites; thermal cycling creep of fiber-reinforced composites; frictional resistance to fiber pull-out; void growth by coupled diffusion and deformation; crack tip fields; and deformation patterns and shear band formations. The new research addresses improved failure resistance in two critically important technologies: composites and microelectronics. These applications require a deeper understanding of the basic mechanisms of plastic deformation and fracture on the scale of the microstructure of the material. The research requires expertise in both solid mechanics and materials science and engineering. Students are being trained with skills in these complementary disciplines. *vmpoll device=*wshell device=*vfd device=*parity device=*biosxlat devi9223683 Clifton This award is for the renewal of funding for the Materials Research Group at Brown Univers ity on the topic o 4 ` b 4 ! ! ! D 4 4 ( Times New Roman Symbol & Arial ' " h e e < 'Abstract for Clifton MRG at Brown Univ. s s
